This blog was originally published on Illuminem, and has been co-authored with Rhian-Mari Thomas. She is the CEO...
The global transition to renewable energy systems will be mineral intensive and, under the current linear economy conditions,...
Date: Jan 26, 2026
Time: utc
Location: University Campus Building
Resilience in agrifood systems is an urgent challenge, yet effective investment pathways remain elusive.
Extreme heat, climate volatility, and mounting pressures on water, energy, and infrastructure are already threatening livelihoods at scale, while fragmented investment approaches continue to limit impact. The question is no longer whether transformation is needed, but how it can be delivered — coherently, at scale, and across sectors.
Our Partners:
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Global Donor Platform for Rural Development (GDPRD)
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Event Overview:
Building resilience in agriculture is non-negotiable. In 2024, the hottest year on record, extreme heat threatened 1.2 billion livelihoods, while outdated systems imposed an estimated $12 trillion in hidden costs to society annually. Transformation at scale requires cross-sectoral action encompassing secure water resources, affordable energy, and rural infrastructure, grounded in a participatory approach. Such transformation could deliver a tenfold socio-economic and environmental return, unlocking up to $4.5 trillion in business opportunities per year. However, current investment models remain highly fragmented and insufficiently aligned with sectoral mandates and capabilities.
Through a multi-sectoral lens, the event will explore how strategic agrifood investments can accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 9, 11, and 17. It will also showcase how multi-partner platforms can sequence and align financing to better leverage increasingly scarce resources.
The discussion will demystify the roles of public, private, and multilateral actors in financing agrifood systems through a coordinated and field-tested process.
In conversation with:
Lauren M. Phillips, Director of the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division, FAO
Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit, Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Fisheries, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission; and Co-Chair, High-Level Advisory Group, Global Donor Platform for Rural Development
Courtney Hood, Head of Office, IFAD NY Liaison Office to the United Nations
Moderated by:
In conversation with:
Jahan-Zeb Chowdhury, Lead Technical Specialist – Environment & Climate Cluster coordinator, IFAD
Sebastian Grey, Scientific Officer, WMO
Moderated by:
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